Conn’s Inc. is finding itself in a bit of hot water with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. Conn’s is charged with failing to honor product warranties, misleading consumers about the products themselves and false advertising.

“The defendants are charged with using high-pressure sales tactics to deceive customers about their extended service warranties,” Abbott said in a press release May 28. “Today’s enforcement action reflects a concerted effort to ensure the defendant is held accountable for violating the law.”

Conn’s countered saying that the company separates itself from other stores through superior customer service.

“Our top priority is providing our customers with a high level of customer service, highly trained and knowledgeable sales personnel and outstanding product repair service,” Conn’s said in a press release.

Shilo Wieghat was on her way out of the Conn’s Humble store, located at FM 1960 and U.S. Highway 59, and had brought back her desktop computer for a third time. The Conroe woman who works in Humble said that she had purchased the computer in February and had to bring it back subsequent times when the machine failed to turn on.

“They charge you high prices for the extended service plan and then they don’t even fix it,” Wieghat said. “I feel like I got cheated.”

Wieghat said she purchased a refrigerator from Conn’s last summer and when she needed somebody from Conn’s to come and repair it, the repairman could not schedule a time that accommodated the family. She said that she would not recommend the extended warranty to customers and would advise people away from the business altogether.

Conn’s stock took a hit, losing 66 cents or 5.59 percent of the stock’s in one day. The stock closed with a value of $11.15 a share.

According to the statement by the Attorney General, Conn’s instructed its’ sales staff to use pressuring tactics to coerce customers into purchasing the extended warranties. Another claim is that Conn’s would promise replacement products would be new or unused when products could be refurbished rather than as promised.

The Attorney General’s office received more than 2,000 complaints about the Beaumont based business. Abbott is seeking civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation. Conn’s could also face a $250,000 penalty if the company’s actions financially harmed a person older than 65.